Top 25 Pitching Prospects

This is my top 25 as of right now. I have tried to reaserch this as much as possible lately and don't think I've missed anyone ( I may be wrong). I was debating on waiting for the rest of BA/BP/Sickels top prospects to drop but figured this was as good of time as any and I was not sure how much time I'll have in January. Don't get to wrapped up in exact # ranking as I could see cases for many of these players being higher or lower depnding on what you prefer and what you've been hearing. Players such as Perez, Kelly, and Monty could be right back to elite I just wanted to take a wait and see approach to them.

1 player who may strike many as an obvious omission is Scheppers and let me tackle this right now. While he has 2 plus-plus pitches the fact that he gave up 82 H and 30 BB mostly pitching out of relief gives me pause. I've always had an uneasy feeling about him.

1. Aroldis Chapman L - Has Randy Johnson type upside as a starter or at worst a lockdown A.S. closer.

2. Matt Moore L - Dominating lefty who reminds me of Sid Fernandez both in body and put up similar stats to what El Sid did in the 1st half of his career. Improved from 5.5 BB/9 in the 1st half to 2.6 in the 2nd half. If he can continue to improve control could be even better then Fernandez.

3. Jeremy Hellickson R - Combines good stuff, outstanding command, and pitchability. Got popped for 5 HRA in 36 IP in his ML debut and 22 HRA in 2008 that may hold his ultimate upside down some. Not to concerned and I feel he could be the type of pitcher Jared Weaver is, a guy who gives up some HR, keeps the walks to minimum and eventually develops in to an ace.

4. James Taillon R - He's so good I consider this a conservative ranking LOL. 2 plus-plus pitches to with a hard slider and the makings of a solid CU. Draws Josh Beckett comps. Could top this list after I see some pro data.

5. Jarrod Parker R - Elite 4 pitch arsenal. I want to see if he regains his feel for his stuff this year before ranking him higher. I didn't have a problem with PP ranking him above Hellickson. I don't feel it was that far fetched and with a good showing to start the year probably will rate higher.

6.  Julio Teheran R - Electric stuff cruised through 3 levels to AA at just 19. Reminds me of Neftali Feliz in build, arm slot, and stuff, though his stuff might be a half tick under Feliz.

7. Shelby Miller R - I love this guy. He's the RH version of Matt Moore.

8. Chris Sale L - 3 plus pitches and imo the best college pitcher available in 2010. The only thing holding him back from ranking higher is seeing how his stuff will play as a starter.

9. Micheal Pineda R - Explosive FB to go with 2 quality secondary offerings. Solid control that he just needs to tighten up a bit. Should be in the ML at some point in 2011.

10. Zach Britton R -

11. Kyle Drabek R -

12. Kyle Gibson R -

***Britton, Drabek, and Gibson are all interchangeable for me sitting 10a,b,and c. All 3 profile as good #2's on 1st division teams. Good but not dominant starters. Gibson and Britton both are similar GB machines who won't post elite SO numbers and Drabek's command holds him back.

13. Randal Delgado R - 3 potential plus pitches to go with improving command and pitches on a downward plane.

14.. Trey McNutt R -

15. Dellin Betances R - 

*** McNutt and Betances are very similar with 2 plus-plus pitches (FB Breaking pitch) combos. Each could rank in the top 10 by mid season next year if they continue their 2010 results. Both showed improved command and each has a chance to be special.

16. Martin Perez L -

17. Casey Kelly R - 

18. Micheal Montgomery L -

*** Perez, Kelly, and Monty are elite prospects who have some ?'s going forward. Nothing major i just want to make sure Perez and Kelly's command return and Monty is healthy before returning them. All were young for AA so it's not a major issue with any just want to see the results return.

19. Jacob Turner R - Great FB but secondary stuff is a little raw. Once his stuff refines his secondary stuff to match his pitching savvy he could dominate.

20. Manny Banuelos L - Always had great command now has the stuff to give him a TOR profile. A LH version of Roy Oswalt is an excellent comp. Even though all short SP get the Oswalt comp I think this 1 fits. Needs to get all 3 pitches working at the same time for better consistency.

21. John Lamb L - Brings quality stuff to go with excellent command/pitchability and was tabbed as a breakout candidate for 2010 by me. Gives me a Tom Glavine type vibe.

22. Zack Wheeler R - Combines 3 quality pitches and outstanding GB% who may be a big riser in 2011.

23. Drew Pomeranz L - This guy is a bit underrated imo. 2 plus pitches with a solid CU from a deceptive arm angle which will make his stuff play up even more.

24. Brody Colvin R - How I love me some Brody Colvin. Great FB to go with a good CU that came better then advertised. CB is a bit slurvy and if he can tighten it up may be a 3rd plus pitch. Pitches beyond his age. Dominated the "Sally" after a slow start.

25. Zach Lee R - The last player on my list is all projection at this point but have seen rave reviews of this kid. FB sits 90-93 but may sit mid 90's once he fills out. Good command with a sharp slider and promising CU. Athletic and surprisingly polished for a 2 sport star. Now I definately could slot many ahead of him but I am a believer.

(Players who were under consideration but not limited to) H.M. - Danny Duffy KCR, Chris Dwyer KCR, Anthony Renaudo BOS, Tyler Matzek COL, Simon Castro SD, Matt Harvey NYM, Chris Archer CHC, Tanner Schepperts TEX, Alex White CLE, Jake Ordozzi MIL, Jordan Lyles HOU.anny Banuelos